The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has warned its state chairmen and other officials against demanding money from support groups seeking registration with the party.
The party declared that registration of support groups is free and accused some state chairmen of collecting fees despite the absence of any authorised charge.
In a statement on Friday, the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said registration was exclusively the responsibility of the Directorate of Support Groups at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
‘The registration of support groups is free. It does not attract any fee whatsoever,’ the statement said.
Director said no state chapter, officer or other party official had the authority to register support groups or collect money from them for the exercise ‘under any guise.’
He directed all state chapters to comply strictly with the directive, warning that violators would face disciplinary measures under the party’s constitution.
‘The registration of support groups is the exclusive prerogative of the Directorate of Support Groups. Therefore, all inquiries and registration must be directed to the Directorate of Support Groups at the National Headquarters of the party in Abuja,’ he said.
The warning comes amid increased mobilisation by various support groups ahead of the 2027 general elections and follows recent disagreements within the party over the role and status of groups supporting its candidates.
The NDC, however, sought to reassure support groups of its continued partnership, specifically mentioning the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements.
‘The NDC cherishes the support and partnership of all support groups, including the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya Movements, and will continue to create an enabling environment for them to work for the victory of the party at all levels,’ the Director said.
The party urged support groups to disregard demands for payment by unauthorised officials and channel registration-related enquiries to the designated directorate at the national headquarters.
It also directed state chapters to ensure strict compliance with the new warning.